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WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. -- Immigrants in Westchester will now have a place to turn to for assistance in dealing with the criminal justice system.

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr.announced the creation of the Office of Immigrant Affairs Friday.

Victimized immigrants may report any type of crime, including violent crimes, human trafficking, domestic violence, and fraud. The emphasis will be on making the process easier for immigrants to come forward to be a witness to a crime and not fear that they will be deported.

“Too often, members of the immigrant community are victims of crimes of economic exploitation or crimes of violence. This office will provide better coordination of these prosecutions and provide greater outreach to the immigrant community” said Scarpino.

OIA will assist members of the immigrant community who have fallen victim of crimes to obtain justice within our legal system, regardless of legal status.

Anyone who believes that he or she may have been the victim of a crime is encouraged to call the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs hotline at 914-995-1616.